Candidate for state House proposes bipartisan gun commission

Barrett Rothe of Highlands Ranch, a Democratic candidate for the state House of Representatives, has announced a proposal for a bipartisan gun policy commission in Colorado. The Commission for the Prevention of Firearm Deaths would be tasked with researching and formulating effective policies to curtail gun violence and mass shootings while addressing mental issues and protecting recreational use of firearms.

“As a parent it’s impossible for me to sit back and watch as American children are routinely subjected to gun violence,” Rothe said, “the people of Colorado deserve an institution that can bring consensus and expert opinion to gun policy in our state and the commission I’m proposing will do that.”

Rothe has detailed a plan for seven Coloradans to join the commission, including representatives of the hunting industry, school boards, and law enforcement, as well as an expert in providing mental health care for dangerous individuals.

“It is obvious that those who are capable of committing mass murder suffer from severe mental health and social isolation problems,” Rothe said, “Although it frustrates me when gun violence is portrayed as solely a mental health problem, part of reducing firearm deaths and mass shootings in our state must be to address the nexus of mental health and gun violence.”

Rothe’s opponent for the 2018 election, Representative Kevin Van Winkle, is the sponsor of legislation that would allow Coloradans to carry a concealed weapon without a permit, ending a longstanding program that requires background checks and safety training for concealed carry of firearms. “In a time when you’re seeing the Republican Governor of Florida sign legislation to work toward common sense gun policy, Representative Van Winkle’s obsession with serving the gun lobby over his constituents is especially disappointing,” Rothe said.